Teaching Black History

Well, it’s that time of year again – Black History Month. As I’ve done before, I strongly encourage you to go to the Teaching Tolerance website.

http://www.tolerance.org/teach/activities/activity.jsp?ar=794

Particularly, look at the list of “Do’s” and “Don’ts.” Here’s their list:

DO...

Incorporate black history year-round.

Educate yourself.

Reinforce to students that "black" history is American history.

Relate lessons to other parts of your curriculum.

Connect issues in the past to current issues.

Come to class fully prepared for the lesson.

Include the political and social context.

DO NOT...

Stop your "regular" curriculum.

Decontextualize heroes or holidays.

Focus on superficial cultural traits based on stereotypes.

Talk about black history in solely "feel-good" language.

Limit the presentation to lectures and reading.

Teach with little or inaccurate information.

Shy away from controversial, ambiguous, or unresolved issues.

Give Black History the respect it deserves.

Posted by Jim Vandergriff